Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese with Panko Topping Recipe
This classic Mac and Cheese recipe features tender elbow macaroni combined with a rich, creamy cheddar cheese sauce, topped with crispy panko bread crumbs and baked to golden perfection. Perfect as a comforting side dish or a hearty main, it’s a timeless favorite that’s easy to prepare and deliciously satisfying.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
Cheese Sauce
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 cups whole milk
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
Topping
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, approximately 7 to 8 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside to be combined later.
- Make the Roux: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter until it becomes bubbly. Whisk in the all-purpose flour until smooth, cooking the mixture for about 1 minute to form a roux that will thicken the sauce.
- Add Milk: Gradually pour in the whole milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue to cook and whisk until the mixture thickens slightly, forming a creamy base for the cheese sauce.
- Add Cheese: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until it fully melts into the sauce, creating a smooth, cheesy mixture.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Mix the cooked elbow macaroni into the cheese sauce, ensuring each piece is well coated with creamy cheese.
- Bake: Transfer the mac and cheese mixture into a greased baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the panko bread crumbs on top. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20 to 25 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and crispy.
Notes
- For a crispier topping, you can lightly toast the panko bread crumbs in a dry skillet before sprinkling them on top.
- Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting and flavor compared to pre-shredded.
- You can substitute sharp cheddar with a mix of cheeses like Gruyère or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
- To make it richer, add a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese to the sauce.
- Ensure the pasta is drained well before mixing to avoid a watery sauce.
Keywords: mac and cheese, baked macaroni and cheese, comfort food, cheddar cheese pasta, cheesy pasta bake
